IEA President Albert “Al” Llorens, steadfast leader, passes away at 73

[Link]SPRINGFIELD - With great sadness, the Illinois Education Association (IEA) shares that IEA President Albert J. "Al" Llorens died Thurs., Sept. 26, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

Llorens, who spent more than 30 years as a high school math teacher and head girls' track and cross-country coach at Thornridge High School, had been an IEA member since 1985. Prior to that, he taught fourth-grade phonics and middle school reading in Champaign, and as a math and science teacher in Kankakee and Chicago.

He married the love of his life, Wanda, in 2018. He was the father of three children and two stepchildren.

Always leading with empathy, Llorens will be remembered for his kindness, his passion for public education and unions, his ability to put what's best for students first, his dedication to the members of IEA and his devotion to his wife, Wanda.

Llorens always referred to Reginald "Reg" Weaver, IEA president from 1981 to 1987 and former NEA president, as his mentor. Weaver said he will miss Llorens and all he brought to his lifelong work.

"Al Llorens was a true friend and a man of the people. He believed strongly in public education and fought diligently for union members, their students, families and the community. Al believed in the power of sports and was an excellent coach. He will be deeply missed."

Gov. JB Pritzker said Llorens was a caring leader who focused on what was best for IEA members and what was best for our state's public school students.

"MK and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Al Llorens - a teacher and coach, an advocate for our children's education, and a truly good man," the Governor said. "Whether in the classroom or leading the Illinois Education Association, Al cared deeply about empowering the next generation and worked tirelessly to invest in their future. He molded the minds of countless students and leaves behind a more equitable, supportive, and enriching education system. May his memory be a blessing to us all."

National Education Association President Becky Pringle, who was a close friend of Llorens, shared her sadness over his loss.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Al Llorens, president of the Illinois Education Association. Al dedicated his life to improving the lives of students and strengthening public education across Illinois and beyond. His leadership was rooted in compassion, vision, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to transform communities. He was a tireless advocate for racial and social justice, always working to ensure that every student-no matter their background-had access to the opportunities they deserved. His work pushed all of us to do the deeper work that is required so we could act with courage in the pursuit of fairness, equity, and opportunity. I was fortunate to call Al not only a trusted and brilliant colleague, but also a very dear friend whose wisdom, encouragement and support meant so much to me. His legacy will inspire us as we continue our personal and leadership journeys. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the countless educators and students whose lives he touched."

Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel "Chris" Welch remembered Llorens with fondness:

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend, Al Llorens. As president of the IEA, he was a giant in education and was fighting for his beloved union members until the very end. I last spoke to Al just before walking into (former) Governor Edgar's funeral last Saturday and his last words to me were, 'I appreciate you, my friend.' I will always appreciate and respect the friendship we shared. May his memory be a blessing," Welch said.

Senate President Don Harmon said Llorens' devotion to making schools in our state a great place for students, and those who work with them, was evident in all he did.

"Al Llorens was first and foremost an educator dedicated to a safe, welcoming and professional environment for students and teachers throughout our great state. Over the course of his career, he taught everything from reading to math to science in grade schools, middle schools and high schools and in communities stretching from Champaign to Kankakee to Chicago. As a leader, he viewed education as the foundation upon which all success is built, and he constantly sought to develop relationships to further our state's investment in educating our young people. I will miss him dearly. My sympathies go out to his family and friends."

NEA Executive Director Kim Anderson noted Llorens' guidance toward his peers.

"Al was more than a colleague-he was a trusted mentor, not only to countless NEA leaders, but to innumerable NEA staff, as well. His thoughtful, steadfast support and guidance helped shape both our professional growth and personal commitment to this work. Al supported people throughout their leadership journey - with strength and comfort through the tough times and shared joy and pride through times of accomplishment. He will be missed beyond measure."

IEA Vice President Karl Goeke will serve as president for the unexpired term per the IEA Bylaws.

Before being elected IEA president in the spring of 2023, Al spent two terms each as IEA vice president and IEA secretary/treasurer. In 2005, Llorens served as a delegate to Education International in Berlin, Germany, and in 2011, he again served as a delegate, this time in Cape Town, South Africa. Llorens served on the NEA Board of Directors for two terms.

A Chicagoan at heart, Llorens grew up in Englewood, on the southwest side of Chicago, and attended Chicago Public Schools. He earned his bachelor's in mathematics education from the University of Illinois in Champaign and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from National Louis University.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be shared when available.

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The 135,000 member Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) is the state's largest union. IEA represents Pre K-12 teachers outside the city of Chicago and education support staff, higher education faculty, retired education employees and students preparing to become teachers, statewide.